Former Lagos State lawmaker Jude Idimogu has called on the authorities to strengthen security around APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe following reports that his residence in Nnewi, Anambra State, was vandalised.
Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, made the appeal in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.
He described the reported attack as disturbing and said political disagreements should never become a justification for violence or destruction of property.
Idimogu Condemns Reported Vandalism
Igbokwe is the Apex Leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former spokesperson of the party in the state.
Idimogu said the reported vandalisation of Igbokwe’s home was particularly concerning because it was allegedly not the first attack on the residence.
He expressed concern that Igbokwe was being subjected to what he described as an excessive price for his political activities and support for the APC.
“The sacrifice is becoming too much,” Idimogu said, while appealing for stronger protection for the APC chieftain.
Call for Government Intervention
The former lawmaker urged the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to take steps to protect Igbokwe.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that appropriate measures were taken to safeguard the APC leader.
According to Idimogu, Igbokwe’s political views may be unpopular with some people, but that should not deprive him of his constitutional rights.
He said Nigerians should be free to choose their political parties, support candidates of their choice and express their opinions within the law.
Political Differences Should Not Lead to Violence
Idimogu questioned why Igbokwe should be targeted because of his political position, particularly amid political disagreements in the South-East.
He urged people who disagree with Igbokwe’s views to respond through peaceful political engagement rather than attacks on his property.
“Everybody cannot belong to the same political party or support the same candidate,” he said.
The former legislator stressed that political diversity was a normal feature of democratic societies.
Warning Against Escalation
Idimogu said the authorities should act before the situation deteriorates further.
He noted that residential property represents a significant investment of money, time and personal sacrifice, adding that vandalism could impose serious emotional and financial consequences on victims.
He also expressed concern about the possibility of the attacks becoming more serious if no action was taken.
“My prayer is that nobody takes Joe Igbokwe’s life because of his political views or affiliations,” he said.
Appeal for Peace and Tolerance
Idimogu also appealed to Igbo communities to embrace tolerance and respect political differences.
He said disagreements over political parties or candidates should not result in violence, destruction of property or hatred.
According to him, Nigerians should respect one another’s political choices and allow peaceful coexistence to prevail.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Igbokwe’s residence in Nnewi was reportedly attacked by suspected criminal elements.
The circumstances surrounding the reported vandalism and the identity of those responsible were not independently established in the statement.
